Chicago Bears Keeping Close Tabs On Top Center In College Football
The Chicago Bears are on the cusp of major organizational changes, but they can’t let that stop them from doing their preparations for the offseason. The draft process doesn’t wait for anybody. Scouts and the front office have to keep doing research, whether they might lose their jobs or not. As a result, they’ve been busy this time of year taking in all sorts of bowl games. This includes the upcoming Citrus Bowl between Iowa and Kentucky.
This is an interesting note. Scott Dochterman of The Athletic covers the Hawkeyes. Over the course of the season, he has noticed Bears scouts present for games a lot. More than any other NFL organization as it turns out. According to his notes, the Bears have had at least one representative at no fewer than five Iowa games. This shouldn’t be a total surprise. The Bears have gotten some really good players from that state over the past couple of years. James Daniels and David Montgomery.
Two NFL scouts watching Citrus Bowl between Iowa-Kentucky: Chicago and Pittsburgh
Bears have sent 7 scouts to 5 Iowa games.
Steelers have sent 4 scouts to 4 Iowa games.— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) January 1, 2022
It isn’t hard to guess who they’re focusing on either.
The Bears have question marks on their offensive line. As evidenced by how many sacks Justin Fields has taken this year. They sorely need to upgrade that part of their offense. Perhaps nowhere more so than center. While Sam Mustipher has the intelligence to handle the position, his shortcomings in size and strength have shown up quite often this season. The team has to consider whether they can do better.
If so, then the conversations start with Tyler Linderbaum. The Iowa product just won the Rimington Trophy for best center in college football. Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network compared him to Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowler Jason Kelce. Athletic, smart, tough, and an absolute technician. Linderbaum can do just about anything required of a top NFL center. He also has size questions but he’s proven able to consistently overcome that issue.
“He is a highly polished, highly cerebral and dynamic weapon on the offensive line that presents some unique traits that could make him a game-changer in the middle of your offensive front…
…I’d expect some level of growing pains early on given his stature and reach and learning to apply those things at the NFL level, but I do think in time this is a Pro Bowl-caliber center who should serve as an offensive line keystone for several contracts.”
Chicago Bears would need some luck to get Linderbaum
Expectations are the Iowa standout should end up going somewhere in the 1st round. However, that isn’t quite a lock. NFL teams tend to value measurables that early in the draft. So his size will become a question mark. Since 2010, eight centers have gone in the 1st round. All but one of them was at least 6’4 and north of 300 lbs. Linderbaum is currently said to be 6’3 and 290 lbs.
Don’t forget James Daniels, who back in 2018 was considered one of the best centers in the country as well, fell to the 2nd round. The Chicago Bears scooped him up and he’s arguably now their best offensive lineman. It isn’t a reach to think they could snag Linderbaum too with a little luck. Given their record, they’ll be picking high in the 2nd round. So their chances aren’t as long as people think.
Outside of him, there are other talents to consider.
The Hawkeyes defense is loaded with future NFL prospects including cornerback Riley Moss and linebacker Jack Campbell. Given the age of the Bears’ defense, it would make sense they’d be looking to reload with younger talent. Especially in the secondary. Iowa is a program that tends to deliver quality pro players on a regular basis. So Chicago isn’t unwise to stay focused on it.